Day: June 5, 2015

Title: Blue Genes

Series: The Story of Us Series: Into the Blue #1

Author: Sydney Jamesson

Release Date: 2nd June, 2015

★★★★★

“Ayden Stone and Beth Parker Stone are back and better than ever in Blue Genes by Sydney Jamesson!”

“The perfect modern day fairy-tale … Sydney Jamesson has done it again.”

Blurb

Take the plunge with Beth Parker and be ready to fall headfirst Into the blue …

“I promise. Wherever you are, Beth, I will always be with you,” ~ Ayden

Blue Genes is the continuation of the bestselling trilogy, The Story of Us.

Handsome, media magnate, Ayden Stone came into Beth Parker’s life like a bolt out of the blue, introducing her to an extravagant lifestyle filled with promises, new experiences and sensual pleasures. Possessed by love, they have fulfilled a childhood dream to be man and wife, believing nothing can come between them ‘until death us do part.’

Having been tortured by tragic events involving angels and demons from their past, these star-crossed lovers are ready to start a new chapter in their lives. Now, family comes first.

But which family?

Time is running out! Difficult decisions must be made that will stretch their fated bond to its very limit. Unforeseen enemies are conspiring and about to test the very foundation of their relationship: trust.

Blue Genes is an emotional, adult fairy-tale that transcends the ordinary: a sensual, suspense filled story overflowing with love, laughter and a longing for a happy ever after.

KFF’s 5 ★ review buy Donna Elsegood

I am a huge fan of The Touchstone series trilogy and was pleasantly surprised when I met Sydney at a book signing. That there was going to be a brand new series bringing back one of my favourite couples, Ayden and Beth, made my day too! Many who have read the previous books will be well aware this is not your run of the mill erotic love story. It is a fairy-tale full of good people, bad people and intrigue and mystery like any good fairy-tale story.

Mr and Mrs Stone are more in love if at all that is possible and while I wondered where the story could possibly go, I was gripped from the beginning enjoying the intensity of their love and interactions.

The couple are making a trip to Paris to meet Ayden’s mother who they located in the previous series. Ayden is a ball of nerves and is not quite sure what to expect, but as long as his Beth is by his side holding his hand, he can accomplish anything. They also take the opportunity to explore Paris as it is the city of love and after all, that’s exactly what you get in spades from these two.

Quote ~ Ayden: “This isn’t a five star hotel,”Beth: “It’s fine. Can we just go inside?”Ayden: “We can, but I’ve never stopped here before and you know…”Beth: “Yes, I know you only want the best.” “It’ll be fine. Come on.”

Apart from an interesting meeting with his new found family, the happiness these two have just makes me uneasy as I’m sure there will be some sort of obstacles pushing themselves in the way. That’s the sort of thing Sydney would do to us avid readers of this story. Jay makes an appearance. He is Ayden’s best friend from childhood who I think is a fantastic character and always has Ayden and Beth’s back; always on hand to keep evil at bay.
Just as I thought a massive hurdle blocks the way of true love, we are left asking questions. Which family will Ayden choose? Will he be able to continue to love and protect Beth? You will have to read the series to find out.

Quote ~ Ayden: “It’s for the best, Beth”Beth: “For the best! Best for who?”Ayden: “For you, for us…”

I’m left completely hanging, desperately wanting more of this story. I gave this book five stars because yet again, it is a beautifully written love story but full of suspense and mystery of what the future holds for Ayden and Beth. Of course it contains the hotness between these two and offers the intensity. It also gives references to songs throughout just like The Story Of Us. There is one song used in a scene that had me laughing my head off at the visualisation in that moment. I also shed a couple of tears towards the end leaving my heart beating frantically. I will totally be recommending those new to the story to get downloading. It’s worth it.

While Beth sleeps, I’m scrolling through the notes Charlotte jotted down during our conference call. It reads like a script for a movie: a far cry from the life I had mapped out for us. We made love last night and it took every ounce of self-control I had to hold back. She wanted to be loved, and all I wanted to do was to fuck her so hard and so deep; to lose myself in her, knowing the memory of it would have to last us for … who knows how long.

Keeping this fucking secret from her is killing me. But what I can I do? I’ve been boxed into a corner and I hate it. Guilt is gnawing at my insides like a cancerous growth, causing me to sweat through my clothes with a fever inducing fear that I may never be forgiven. Trust is the foundation of our love, and here I’m desecrating it. She was the one missing mechanism in my life that I needed to make everything work; without her everything will grind to a halt.

I won’t be living: I’ll be existing.

There will be tears enough to drown in, and in Beth’s eyes, I’ll be the bastard who’s ditched her for the sake of some fucking business deal, or worse, for a family I hardly know. This will be the hardest thing I have ever done, or will have to do again …

Author Bio

Sydney Jamesson is an English teacher by day and bestselling author of romance by night. She is nocturnal by nature and loves nothing more than staying up late, listening to music and being inspired to write. She has always scribbled things down; in her home is one enormous waste paper basket full of discarded phrases, opening lines and pieces of dialogue that have hit her like lightning in the middle of the night or whilst parked up at a set of traffic lights. Her bestselling trilogy, The Story of Us is available worldwide, and she’s thrilled to continue Ayden Stone and Beth Parker’s epic love story in her upcoming The Story of Us Series: Into the Blue.

Title: Leaving Me Behind

Author: Sigal Ehrlich

Release Date: May 25, 2015

Genre: Stand Alone Contemporary Romance

SYNOPSIS

Fed up with her comfortable and dull-to-boredom life, Liv takes the bravest leap, leaving it all behind. Unfortunately the crux of her issues – her entrenched, well-kept emotional guard – tags along for the ride.

With the spirit of change burning from every pore and a determined plan to break free from her self-oppressed lifestyle to enjoy life’s simplest pleasures, she moves half way across the globe to a peaceful Spanish coastal town.

With an aim to feel whole again, liberated and happy by herself, Liv begins her journey while maintaining weekly-cyber therapy sessions with her long time, questionable shrink.

As Liv finally begins to enjoy her new life and experience the varied goods the exotic country has to offer, a sudden major turn leads Liv to be swept into the most tantalizing roller coaster of her life.

A turn that leaves her questioning everything she thought was right.

THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

TEASERS

EXCERPT

“So how did you like our wine?” Sebastian gestures with a hint of a knowing glee to the half-empty evidence on my coffee table.

“Vivian suggested I try it,” I blabber. “Umm, it was good.”

He cocks an eyebrow.

“Frankly, I’m not much of a wine person; I’m more of a sweet cocktail kind of gal. It was very good though, but I couldn’t elaborate on the taste or anything else as you experts would.”

“I see,” he says somewhat pensive. He motions for me to take a seat at the low coffee table and settles himself on the sofa in front of me. His slightly parted legs almost touch mine. He takes the bottle and deftly removes the cork.

“Let’s try to do it together, shall we,” he says, his voice a degree huskier. “You need to use your senses to evaluate wine, scent, taste . . .sight.” He gives me a soft, yet bluntly suggestive look. “Sight,” he says as he brings the bottle to his mouth, wraps his lips around the narrow opening, and takes a slow sip. I swallow hard, following the motion of his Adam’s apple under bristled, tanned skin. He then inclines his head toward me and cups the nape of my neck. He slightly tilts my head back and touches his mouth to mine. With the parting of my lips, his tongue reaches in, filling my mouth with warmness, wine, and an intoxicating breath. His tongue commences to stroke mine through the rich moistness; a combined sensual flesh on flesh electrifying sensation hovered by the tingling of the aromatic liquid. It skims around my tongue, letting the luscious liquid reach every part of my greedy mouth. I suck hard on his tongue, tasting the wine and him; my desire grows, and grows with every erotic stroke of his.

“Taste,” he says low as he pulls back, lightly biting my bottom lip causing a sting that crawls all the way between my legs. “Keep your eyes closed, Liv. I’m going to do that again. I want you to suck on it, swirl it in your mouth, and try to think what flavors come to your mind.” And he does, with one hand at the nape of my neck and the other sliding to curl around my knee. Everything inside me tightens, everything around me melts, and everything about me arouses. It’s a sensory overload.

Tastes like an orgasm? I close my eyes and lick my slightly pulsing lips. His hand trails slowly under the hem of my dress, holding my thigh with mild force. I lick my lips again, distracted by the touch of his hand.

“Mmmhmm.” His hand sprawls, making my skin burn at the spot.

“It tastes like something I want in my mouth again.” My eyelids slowly lift and my eyes meld into his with everything that rages inside of me.

“Sold,” he says gruffly, with a hint of a heated smile. “Oh, and there’s the scent,” he adds next, nuzzling the area just below my ear. His hand on my thigh under my dress advances till the tips of his fingers whisper over the delicate fabric of my panties. I strangle a moan while his lips sear the skin of my neck. He murmurs, “Divine.”

My eyes remain closed as I savor the taste of his mouth, his tongue, and his sweet, musky scent wafting around me. God, he smells like warm, rich, spicy chocolate. He smells like molten chocolate with a sprinkle of chili.

“Take your dress off for me, Liv.” His voice reaches me, and we slowly flicker our eyes into a scorching, locked stare. He speaks to my mouth next, though it feels like he speaks to the spot between my legs as it insentiently starts pulsing in heat.

“Undress for me. Stand up and slowly take your dress off.”

KFF’s 5 ★ Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse Nuttall

I’m a great fan of this author and was delighted to have the opportunity of reading her new release the before the publishing date. Saying that, I had no idea I was in for a surprize or two! Her story telling style hasn’t changed; however, this read is more daring and most certainly one of the sexist reads she’s written. And my second surprize? Well, the scene is set in the country I have adopted. Sunny Spain! And the lady has done her homework, too. The details of the surroundings where you’re going to meet her characters is nothing less than spot on. I laughed out loud when my favourite beer was mentioned! So details described exactly as they should be, enchanted me. Oh yes, and a difficult feat it is to write in present and in first person, but Ms. Sigal has pulled it off!

A good plot needs well-developed protagonists and secondary characters. There is no doubt that they all fit the bill. The leading lady, Liv, takes a good while to find herself which is basically what this story is really about. She’s in her early thirties, has a good job earning really good money, and loves her boss, Saul. She has her father’s love and support, but her mother; humph… it’s not surprising she’s been itching to get away, to carry out her dreams. I can honestly say that this was when I connected with Liv. Her mother is overboard, always seems to have the upper hand, and is always ready to criticise. At times, I would have gladly strangled her. Her shrink who has a huge influence in her life; loved his name by the way, is all for it… in brackets! So she shuts up shop, (pun unintended), and trots off to Catalonia. I really and truly liked this woman’s personality. It’s as if the Spanish air and her new group of friends lifted her spirits higher than high. Ah yes, and Sebastian will play a huge part by making her question herself.

Sebastian. Oh my! Who couldn’t help falling for this gorgeous drop-dead Spaniard! Being younger than Liv was never an issue for him. Swooning here ladies ‘cause not only is he a gentleman, but he is also so damn hot in the bedroom that it’ll have you grabbing for your fan! And even then, he plays a cautious game to a point that made me think how much bloody patience he has. Virtually running the family ‘bodega’ producing the finest wines and ‘cava’ keeps him occupied when he’s not discretely observing Liv from the shoreline or the side-lines. Is his flirtatious stance to be taken seriously? You’ll only find out by one-clicking!

Quote ~ Liv: “I’m not looking to get involved with anyone,” I say in a quiet, somewhat croaky voice.Sebastian: “Don’t worry; you will not fall in love with me. I will not let you.”

Now then… the gals. I just have to mention them as they’re the backbone of this story. It is not my intention to put my foot in it and ‘let on’ but they are all absolutely incredible. The Café con Aroma where Liv hangs out is for me, the bee’s knees. I was honestly there watching Vivian prepare the most wonderful Spanish cuisine for her buddies. I was attentively listening to Dominique Bouchon who I didn’t like at all at the beginning but ended up feeling totally and utterly sorry for, totally in love with her! Her dry sense of humour and her advice to Liv as they warm up to each other is how the Spanish say, “Es el no va más!”

What a marvellous club they made. I adored all the chitchat, the leg pulling, ribbing, and Viv’s cooking, deary me… mouthwatering! I couldn’t believe that the author has so much knowledge of Spanish customs, their idiocies, their way of life and of course, the cuisine!

Kai. I have to mention him as he’s been Liv’s bestie forever. Even though they have a pact; have known each other since youngsters, the twist in the plot left be flabbergasted. Do we have another story here I asked myself. Hmm, nudging the author might just convince her that it is worthwhile.

So here goes! Summing up this excruciatingly hotter than hot love story with its perfect morphophonemic speech, sayings and idioms which were easily understood, was for me, an outstanding achievement from a linguist’s point of view. A good job well done. Visual scenes were there. The sexual tension abounded and consumed me. The story flow was nothing less than outstanding! However, I missed Sebastian’s personal opinion dreadfully. I knew how Liv felt throughout the story, but I was dying to know his. Could it be that we’ll have his? I have no idea. One more thing before I go… every chapter is named with a song so very apt in every event that takes place. What a freakin’ brill idea to make a playlist. Listen to the songs. I did and I love her choice!

Ms. Ehrlich. Thank you so much for taking me on a ride through the Spanish culture, their wines, their dines and their passion for living the moment. ¡ Un énorme bravo!

Five Things I Wish I Would Have Known When I Started Out Writing

That the saying: “self-doubt is a writer’s best friend” is not a myth. There are way too many stages during the writing process in which your insecurities are at an all-time high. Reading the first draft, and hating it, of course. Getting the manuscript back from the editor. Waiting for feedback from your beta readers. And the worst case of what I like to call psycho-writing-bipolar-syndrome episodes, waiting for actual reviews to come.

How time and emotionally consuming writing is. It’s a twenty-four hour, seven day a week job.

That good punctuation skills are a plus. *smiling awkwardly* Let’s just say, I have a love/hate relationship with commas. I couldn’t relate more to the following quote by Elmore Leonard: “Write the book the way it should be written, then give it to somebody to put in the commas and sh*t.” True, very true.

How involved you become with your characters. You live their stories, feel their pain, and for the longest time share your mind with them. In fact, they don’t ever actually leave. You might write “the end” and publish a book, but your characters remain a part of you.

With all that said, being a writer is the best job in the world and I feel so privileged and blessed that I get to do it every day!

About the Author

By teen age, Sigal already lived in three different continents where she was lucky enough to experience and visit varied places, meet unique people, which only helped fuel her overly developed imagination. Currently, Sigal calls Estonia home where she lives with her husband and three kids.